Library Card Cabinet Upcycle

Something for your home that you know there is no practical place or use for?

Do you buy it just because?

Just because you might never come across one again? Just because it was a really good price? Just because your mother’s sister’s second cousin Mavis had one just like it? Just because you could remove that, paint this, add some of these and turn it into an umbrella stand?

Well, a while ago I bought this old library card cabinetI bought ‘just because’.

It sat in my junk room serving absolutely no purpose for about a year until the arrival of Charlotte saw my junk room (which was the temporary home for many of my ‘just because’ items) become a nursery.

So, with our shortage of storage space made even shorter it was finally time to let some things go, starting with my card drawer cabinet.

Before selling it though I decided a mini makeover was in order.

Rather than paint over the character-filled timber I simply gave it a good all over clean and oil (just with furniture polish) to retain and enhance the original patina.

I also attached some solid metal castor wheels (as I had always originally intended). Along with the advantage of mobility the wheels also add enough height to give the cabinet perfect proportions for a coffee or deep side table.

I could only find silver steel castors which looked too modern paired with the old cabinet so I tinted them black to resemble cast iron.
Here’s a little trick; rather than use spray paint (which easily chips off smooth metal) I coloured the wheels with a black permanent marker! It sounds time-consuming though it was actually really quick and so far has held up great. Whilst I imagine it will likely fade a little over time where the wheels roll it will probably look nicely worn rather than just plain chipped.

So, mini refresh complete, I re-arranged my living room a bit to plonk the cabinet beside my leather couch to take some photos for the eBay listing and….

….I’m kinda loving it!

Luke even made the rare comment that he also liked it!

Did I say we have a shortage of storage space and it was time to let some things go? Well, maybe not this…for now anyway.

Wow, that is gorgeous, I’ve wanted one of those myself for so long, but can’t find one ANYWHERE! I was kind of hoping you’d put it on ebay so I could have snagged it up. It’s not much to ship from Australia to Canada is it?! ;)paula

I am working on a similar transformation right now! Actually, it should have been done weeks ago, but a painting disaster de-railed my enthusiasm for a while. Your beautiful project may get me to finally finish it up!

Hi Crystal. I was actually lucky to get two of the lamps at wholesale through a friend. I can’t remember the company though I have seen them in a store once here in Australia though they were expensive at retail price. They are pretty cool though.Kristine

Kristine, I am loving it too! What an interesting piece it turned out to be! The castors are so handy and they add so much to the drawers! I would love to have you share this makeover at my party! http://theshadyporch.blogspot.com/

I kind of love it too. I think you would be crazy to sell it. I don’t know if it’s just me but it looks perfect where it is! Up against the leather sofa it is as if it was meant to be… If I were in your shoes I would keep it.Lucky girl!

I think you will thank yourself for keeping this piece. I’m seeing it store crayons, dress up jewelry, legos, beading supplies, little animal figurines, etc…You will be so glad to have a place to corral these littlest of items!Camille

I wanta Library Card Catalogue Cart! How cool is that!!! I’m so glad you stopped by the other day and left a sweet note. I’m loving finding your blog and having so much fun exploring! I’m your newest follower!

Oh gosh, I would about flip my lid if I found such a gorgeous cabinet! DO NOT SELL IT!!! Hoard it’s fabulousness away or send it to ME! I’d be thrilled if you came and linked this up to the Head to Head Showdown, going on right now at http://www.icantstopcrafting.blogspot.com

Just because I would seriously buy it. How could you pass up something like this. It’s gor.geous, one of a kind. Truly when you find something one of a kind you just have to buy it. Cause someone else will and you’d regret it. The castors on it look really nice. Would you share this over at Sunday’s Best going on now! Now following!

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